2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › Active Hybrid 3 › 2013
These records cover every 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3. Newest first.
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Owner complaints
8 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Engine
Waste gate rattle or turbo rattle, the vehicle rattles during cold start, rattle upon deceleration,loss of power, check engine illumination, manufacture specific obd troupe code p30ff, engine light turns on and off and off after refilling gas.the turbo charger must be replaced.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
Hit a pot hole for the second time blow out a rim but now the indicators say drive train malfunctions and wont start who knows where the oil goes keeps running low even though no leaks haven't seen my car in months put something on the seat it says to lock seat belt these cars are lemons what's with all the sensors before sensors cars didn't break down and if they did you could fix it yourself
- Air bags · Seat belts
Drove a short distance with a women's purse in the front passenger seat. since that time, I get two fault messages every time I start the car, regarding an error in the passenger air bag or seat belt restraint system. message states to ensure passenger wears seat belt as they air bag may not operate.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
I purchased 2013 vehicle 3 months ago. I have taken vehicle in for repairs w same error 4XS - error "drivetrain - vehicle can not be restarted" I have been on freeway and on street when error has occurred. Wjen this error occurs vehicles electrical components no longer work. Vehicle can still be…
I purchased 2013 vehicle 3 months ago. I have taken vehicle in for repairs w same error 4XS - error "drivetrain - vehicle can not be restarted" I have been on freeway and on street when error has occurred. Wjen this error occurs vehicles electrical components no longer work. Vehicle can still be driven but with caution. I am very concerned and cannot take long trips away from BMW service locations since this error appears without warning. BMW dealer kept vehicle for more than 7 days last repairs, however I still have error appearing and vehicle IS still not repaired. Dealer nonchalant since warranty IS still in place -- I believe they are ignoring as not to relate drive transmission. tomorrow I have no vehicle since car won't start. Contacted dealer to come and deliver rental vehicle. I have to work! Error appears when vehicle IS in motion always. I am concerned with my safety - not sure what else will take place while vehicle IS in motion. today weather was 112 and no air conditioning for 40 miles. I need vehicle repaired as to pass emissions as well as for my safety!!!
- Electrical system
At least up to 5 issues with the back up and front camera systems, and an issue with the navigation system. The camera systems are especially troubling since the go out at random. The last time the dealer replaced the entire camera module system and the issue came up again. *tr
- Air bags
The vehicle computer states that something IS wrong with the passenger side airbag(s). I have dropped off the car at the dealer and its been a week now and there IS no solution yet. I read a similar issue from another 2013 activehybrid 3 owner on this site. Dealer told me that it's a rare case and they are calling engineers to check it out. still waiting... *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
Without warning while driving, I was bombarded with driver's airbag and seat belt faults, informing me of "malfunction in seat belt, air bags, or belt tensioner. Continue wearing seatbelt, consult nearest service center". Vehicle was diagnosed with faults for "driver's seat belt tensioner - line…
Without warning while driving, I was bombarded with driver's airbag and seat belt faults, informing me of "malfunction in seat belt, air bags, or belt tensioner. Continue wearing seatbelt, consult nearest service center". Vehicle was diagnosed with faults for "driver's seat belt tensioner - line connected incorrectly" and "battery safety terminal 2 - line connected incorrectly". BMW corporate instructed running new replacement wiring from the battery, and I was told by customer relations that BMW stands behind this product and they offered a small amount of money to buy my satisfaction. I informed BMW that as a former automotive engineer, I find the repair job to be inconsistent with the fault and expect the error to return. BMW did not respond, and surely enough one week later I started the car to find the same two fault lights on again and the vehicle IS back at the dealership. BMW IS attempting to replace additional parts in the car including the active crash safety module, leaving the vehicle in the shop for 21 days in the original incident and 4 days and counting this time. I do not feel confident in the safety of this vehicle following these incidents and would like the failure of the seat belts and airbags to be investigated by a neutral 3RD party. throughout this incident BMW refused to acknowledge this vehicle as a lemon or one-off so I am led to believe that this problem may affect all 3 series that use the same active crash safety module. *tr
- Service brakes
During low speed braking brake pedal feels hard, but pressing harder does not stop car. You feel like you lost control of the brakes. Car will roll and slowly decelerate, but not enough. After a few feet of slow deceleration, brakes kick in and provide a large bite which stops the car. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10238090After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10235205The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, BMW Assistance, and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.
- 10235202Exterior rear lights do not work.
- 10230722After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
- 10230717For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- 10215746Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
- 10215025Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 10215023Visual Inspection of Brake discs/Rotors for new car deliveries
- 10214990The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
- 10214256The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
- 10212788The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
- 10212780Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This bulletin is notice of a limited emission warranty extension. This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem. Customer Notification Letter Even though this is NOT a Recall, BMW NA is sending VIN-specific customer notification letters. The plastic fuel tank has two openings, one at the top right and the other at the top left. The top right opening (passenger's side, serviceable) provides a mounting point and repair access to the intake fuel pump/level sensor assembly. The top left opening (driver's side, non-serviceable) serves as an access point for the installation of the suction jet pump/level sensor assembly during the fuel tank manufacturing process. After these components are installed, the top left side opening is then permanently closed and sealed with the installation of a circular Coex biopolymer plastic cover plate which is welded into place. Over time, the left side opening plastic cover plate weld may become damaged. Should this occur, there is the possibility of fuel leakage. Additionally, your vehicle will store the corresponding fault codes that may also be generated, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
- 10212779Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
- 10205068Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes.
- 10204660The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
- 10203340Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
- 10203338The trunk lid/hatch does not open fully when unlatched with remote or hands-free operation.
- 10200489TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
- 10200487TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
- 10200249The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW. Due to the phase-out, BMW Assist and ConnectedDrive services will no longer be supported after this date.
- 10200238Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle, when turning the steering wheel.
- 10200228On rare occasions during an engine oil service, the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing.
- 10199292B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
- 10198899B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
- 10193495The customer complains of rattling noises from the rear window when driving on rough roads.
- 10193494Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level.
- 10188938COMBUSTION CONTROL VALVE LIFT AT IDLE: The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
- 10186889?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
- 10186227?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
- 10184584Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
- 10181231BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
- 10179811EME GROUND CONNECTION MONITORING FAULTS: Check Control message (CCM ID 794): "Drive. Check as soon as possible" illuminates. Increased ground cable contact resistance at Electrical Machine Electronics (EME) due to corrosion/oxidation.
- 10179009NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.
- 10179003VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
- 10178996TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
- 10177628VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
- 10177616EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist when maneuvering or parking the vehicle. For the basic steering gears, one possible cause is that the mounting bolts for the electric motor may become loose, missing and/or broken due to corrosion.
- 10176377CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases this will cause the CCM 415 to be displayed when starting the vehicle. Replacing the Controller in this case will not correct this situation.
Every BMW Active Hybrid 3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.